Micro Electrical Discharge Machining Processes

This book offers a comprehensive collection of micro electrical discharge machining (EDM) processes, including hybrid processes. It discusses the theory behind each process and their applications in various technological as well as biomedical domains, and also presents a brief background to various micro EDM processes, current research challenges, and detailed case studies of micro-manufacturing miniaturized parts. The book serves as a valuable guide for students and researchers interested in micro EDM and other related processes.

Micro Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) is a prominent technology for the fabrication of micro components in many fields. Nowadays, it is used like a conventional machine tool due to favorable characteristics. This book provides the fundamental knowledge of the principles of the process and its variants, the different process parameters, the role of machine components and systems, the challenges, and how to eliminate processing errors. It also includes real life applications of micro EDM in different areas with the most relevant examples.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is one of the earliest and most widely used non-conventional machining processes. In recent years, the use of EDM has increased significantly in industries, mainly due to the extensive use of hard and difficult-to-cut materials, i.e. hardened steels, carbides, titanium alloys, nickel super alloys and so on. The EDM process is being used extensively for many important applications in die and mold, aerospace, automotive, micro-electronic and biomedical industries. As a result, extensive research has been carried out on various aspects of EDM. Taking those facts into consideration, this book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various types, technologies and applications of EDM. The book starts with chapters on the two major types of EDM: die-sinking EDM and wire-EDM. Subsequently, several EDM-based hybrid machining processes, such as: ultrasonically aided EDM, powder-mixed EDM, and simultanous micro-EDM/ECM have been discussed in detail. This book includes chapters on the detail of EDM surface and modeling and simulation of the EDM process. This book also contains chapters on the novel and innovative applications of EDM as well as machining of newer materials, such as: shape memory alloy, reaction-bonded silicon carbide, metal metrix composites, silicon based semiconductors, and non-conducting polymers. It is a useful resource for students and researchers who are planning to start their research on the area of EDM and related processes. It can also serve as a reference for students, academics, researchers, engineers, and working professionals in non-traditional manufacturing processes related industries.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is one of the earliest and most widely used non-conventional machining processes. In recent years, the use of EDM has increased significantly in industries, mainly due to the extensive use of hard and difficult-to-cut materials, i.e. hardened steels, carbides, titanium alloys, nickel super alloys and so on. The EDM process is being used extensively for many important applications in die and mold, aerospace, automotive, micro-electronic and biomedical industries. As a result, extensive research has been carried out on various aspects of EDM. Taking those facts into consideration, this book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various types, technologies and applications of EDM. The book starts with chapters on the two major types of EDM: die-sinking EDM and wire-EDM. Subsequently, several EDM-based hybrid machining processes, such as: ultrasonically aided EDM, powder-mixed EDM, and simultanous micro-EDM/ECM have been discussed in detail. This book includes chapters on the detail of EDM surface and modeling and simulation of the EDM process. This book also contains chapters on the novel and innovative applications of EDM as well as machining of newer materials, such as: shape memory alloy, reaction-bonded silicon carbide, metal metrix composites, silicon based semiconductors, and non-conducting polymers. It is a useful resource for students and researchers who are planning to start their research on the area of EDM and related processes. It can also serve as a reference for students, academics, researchers, engineers, and working professionals in non-traditional manufacturing processes related industries.

Micro electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) is a thermo-electric and contactless process most suited for micro-manufacturing and high-precision machining, especially when difficult-to-cut materials, such as super alloys, composites, and electro conductive ceramics, are processed. Many industrial domains exploit this technology to fabricate highly demanding components, such as high-aspect-ratio micro holes for fuel injectors, high-precision molds, and biomedical parts. Moreover, the continuous trend towards miniaturization and high precision functional components boosted the development of control strategies and optimization methodologies specifically suited to address the challenges in micro- and nano-scale fabrication. This Special Issue showcases 12 research papers and a review article focusing on novel methodological developments on several aspects of micro electrical discharge machining: machinability studies of hard materials (TiNi shape memory alloys, Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite, ZrB2-based ceramics reinforced with SiC fibers and whiskers, tungsten-cemented carbide, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, duplex stainless steel, and cubic boron nitride), process optimization adopting different dielectrics or electrodes, characterization of mechanical performance of processed surface, process analysis, and optimization via discharge pulse-type discrimination, hybrid processes, fabrication of molds for inflatable so���� microactuators, and implementation of low-cost desktop micro- EDM system.

This book provides the knowledge and insight into the fundamental aspects of Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) processes and various hybrid machining technologies derived to improve the machining efficiencies. Fundamental theory of material removal, recent research trends and future research directions have been covered in each chapter. After explaining EDM, Dry and Near-dry EDM processes, Electrochemical Spark Machining, Arc Machining processes, Electric Discharge Hybrid-Turning processes, Electrical Discharge Grinding, Electric Discharge Milling, and various assisted EDM processes have been discussed. Finally, modeling and simulation of hybrid machining processes are also included. The book reflects the recent developments and trends in electric discharge hybrid machining processes. It covers in detail the basics of EDM, various hybrid and assistive technologies in EDM. It includes the updated discussion on the significance of process parameters in various hybrid EDM processes. An overview of modelling and simulation of hybrid EDM process is provided. This book is aimed at Graduate students, researchers in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, and materials engineering.

This book presents some of the recent hybrid micro-machining processes used to manufacture miniaturized products with micro level precision. The current developed technologies to manufacture the micro dimensioned products while meeting the desired precision level are described within the text. The authors especially highlight research that focuses on the development of new micro machining platforms while integrating the different technologies to manufacture the micro components in a high throughput and cost effective manner.

"In writing this book, the author focused on EDM fundamentals. These are the items common to all EDM machines, such as the spark, how the spark is controlled, what causes overcut, and the importance of the dielectric fluid. With regard to the workplace, covered are the affect the spark has on the metallurgy and how the surface finish is produced and controlled. The book also describes the development of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), the EDM system and process, the EDM sparking systems, the power supply (generator), spark voltage, electrode servo systems, di-electric systems, ionization and electrode wear, chips, the EDM surface, DC arcing, different kinds of EDM, autormatic servo systems operation, and electromagnetic radiation. It is the author's intent that this text will serve as the primer on the EDM process, allowing the people using EDM to become more efficient and the machines more productive."--Back cover.